This course is an introduction to the canonical texts in American political thought by linking them to significant political and social movements thatattempted to 3re-found2 aspects of American political life. Possible movements and groups we will consider include the abolitionists, the pioneers on the Western frontier, the early labor movement, the temperance movement, the suffragettes, and the civil rights movement. The course will focus on two questions: (1) To what extent do these movements share the theoretical concepts, ideals, and values articulated in the canonical textsof American political thought? (2) How are fundamental theoretical concepts such as democracy, liberty, community, equality, freedom, and so on altered both by these groups themselves and in response to them? Class meetings will consist of lectures and discussions.

Syllabi are available to current LSA students. IMPORTANT: These syllabi are provided to give students a general idea about the courses, as offered by LSA departments and programs in prior academic terms. The syllabi do not necessarily reflect the assignments, sequence of course materials, and/or course expectations that the faculty and departments/programs have for these same courses in the current and/or future terms.